Most banks are closed on December 26

December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States, so most banks operate on their regular schedule that day. However, some banks close on December 26 as a discretionary holiday — they treat it as an extension of the Christmas break. Whether your bank is open depends on the specific bank and whether it has chosen to observe the day.

The safest approach is to check your bank's website or call the branch directly. Most banks post holiday schedules in early December, and you can usually find this information in the "Hours" or "Locations" section of their website, or by searching "[Your Bank Name] December 26 hours".

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is not a federal holiday, so many banks operate normally, but some choose to close as part of their holiday observance.
  • Your specific bank's decision to open or close on December 26 is not uniform across the industry — you must check your own bank.
  • Bank websites and phone lines show holiday schedules by late November or early December each year.
  • If your bank is closed on December 26, you can still use ATMs, mobile banking, and online transfers that day.
  • If you need cash or in-person service on December 26 and your bank is closed, a credit union or a bank branch in a different network may be open.

How to find your bank's December 26 schedule

Go to your bank's website and look for a "Holiday Hours" or "Locations" page. Most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — publish their full holiday calendar by early December. You can also call your specific branch directly; the staff can tell you whether that location will be open on December 26.

If you bank with a smaller regional bank or credit union, the same approach works. Call the branch or check their website. Some credit unions observe different holidays than national banks, so it is worth checking even if you assume they will be closed.

What you can do if your bank is closed on December 26

ATMs work 24 hours a day, regardless of whether the branch is open. If you need cash, you can withdraw from any ATM your bank operates or from an ATM in your bank's network. You will not be charged an out-of-network fee if you use your own bank's machines.

Online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking are also available on December 26 even if branches are closed. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by phone or mobile app, and check your balance. Wire transfers and ACH transfers initiated on December 26 may not process until the next business day, depending on the time you submit them.

If you need in-person service — to speak with someone about a problem, to open an account, or to conduct a transaction that requires a teller — and your bank is closed, you have two options. You can wait until December 27, or you can visit a branch of a different bank that is open. Some banks in different networks may be open on December 26, though this is not may provide.

Federal holidays versus bank discretionary closures

Banks are required to close on federal holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. December 26 is not on this list.

However, banks can choose to close on other days. Some banks treat the day after Christmas as a holiday for their staff, even though it is not federally mandated. This is a business decision each bank makes, and it varies by institution and sometimes by individual branch. A large bank might close all branches nationally on December 26, or it might close only some branches in certain regions.

Planning ahead for banking needs around Christmas

If you know you will need banking services between December 24 and December 27, plan your transactions for December 23 or earlier. Deposit checks, withdraw cash, and handle any in-person business before the Christmas period begins. This avoids the uncertainty of holiday schedules and the risk of needing a service that is not available.

If you are waiting for a payment or transfer to arrive during this period, remember that banks do not process transactions on federal holidays. A transfer initiated on December 23 may not clear until December 26 or later, depending on the type of transfer and the banks involved. ACH transfers typically take one to two business days, so timing matters.

What to do if you have an urgent banking need on December 26

If your bank is closed and you have an urgent problem — a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit, a locked account — call your bank's customer service line. Most banks operate phone support on non-federal holidays, even if branches are closed. You can report fraud, dispute a transaction, or ask questions about your account without visiting a branch.

If the issue is truly time-sensitive and your bank cannot help by phone, contact your bank's fraud department directly. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Some banks also offer chat support through their mobile app or website on holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December 26 a federal holiday?

No. December 26 is not a federal holiday in the United States. Banks are not required to close. However, individual banks may choose to close on this day as part of their holiday observance.

Can I use my debit card or ATM on December 26 if my bank is closed?

Yes. ATMs and debit cards work 24 hours a day, whether the branch is open or closed. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and make purchases with your card on December 26.

Will my direct deposit or wire transfer process on December 26?

Direct deposits and wire transfers initiated on December 26 may not process until December 27 or later, depending on the type of transfer and your bank's processing schedule. ACH transfers typically take one to two business days. Check with your bank about their specific timeline.

What if I need to speak to someone at my bank on December 26?

Call your bank's customer service line. Most banks offer phone support on non-federal holidays, even if branches are closed. For fraud or urgent account issues, call the number on the back of your card.

Can I open a new account or get a loan on December 26?

Not if your bank is closed. These services require in-person or phone appointments with bank staff. If your bank is closed on December 26, you will need to wait until December 27 or visit a different bank that is open.